Who Should I Start? Jauan Jennings or Brian Robinson Jr.

Thursday, July 31, 3:48 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) is missing a third consecutive practice on Thursday due to a calf strain. According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, Jennings is dealing with the same calf issue that bothered him earlier in the offseason. While his absence is not ideal, the veteran and the organization are going to be cautious at this point in the training camp with another month and change to go before Week 1 of the regular season. The former seventh-round pick out of Tennessee is also reportedly seeking a new contract, so he's unlikely to risk further injury while he awaits a new deal. Jennings posted nearly 1,000 receiving yards a season ago, and he could open the 2025 campaign as the clear WR1 in San Francisco after the departure of Deebo Samuel Sr. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is a candidate to go on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin the regular season, which would force him to miss at least the first four games.

Monday, June 2, 5:42 PM

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury noted via the team's transcript last week that running back Brian Robinson Jr.'s focus this offseason has been "great." "Yeah, he's been really focused," said Kingsbury. "B-Rob's a guy who has played an incredibly high level....He knows what this year means to him and can mean to us when he plays at that level." The Commanders invested in their offense heavily this offseason -- fortifying their offensive front and the weapons around budding superstar Jayden Daniels. However, the running back room went essentially unchanged aside from the addition of seventh-round teammate Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Backfield mate Austin Ekeler will siphon away some touches, but the Alabama product should receive strong volume this season. It will be interesting to see how the team deploys Deebo Samuel Sr., but if he doesn't absorb too many carries, Robinson Jr. should provide decent value.